Were you hit by a DHL truck while driving through Gastonia? These bright yellow delivery trucks are a common sight throughout North Carolina, but when one is involved in a collision, the consequences can be devastating.
DHL truck accidents can leave victims like you seriously injured, and it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that you’re not sure what to do next. If you’re overwhelmed by the aftermath of a crash like this, you’re not alone—let a DHL truck accident lawyer in Gastonia at DeMayo Law Offices help.
With 250 years of combined experience, our team has helped over 125,000 people receive the justice they deserve. Since 1992, we’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation, and we can represent you as your delivery truck accident lawyer in Gastonia.
Common Causes of DHL Truck Accidents in Gastonia
Like other delivery services, DHL operates on tight schedules. Drivers may be under pressure to complete numerous deliveries in short timeframes, sometimes leading to unsafe driving behaviors.
These are common causes of DHL truck-related incidents in the area:
- Speeding or aggressive driving: To meet delivery quotas, drivers may exceed the speed limit or take risks that increase the likelihood of a collision.
- Driver fatigue: Long shifts, demanding routes, and few rest breaks can lead to drowsy driving, a significant risk factor in commercial vehicle accidents.
- Distracted driving: Drivers may rely on navigation apps, respond to dispatch messages, or attempt to manage multiple tasks at once, diverting attention from the road.
- Improper training or lack of experience: If a DHL driver lacks proper training in operating a commercial vehicle, their actions behind the wheel may be more prone to error.
- Vehicle maintenance failures: Commercial trucks require regular maintenance. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning lights can all contribute to accidents.
- Improper loading of cargo: Overloaded or unbalanced freight can impact vehicle stability and control, especially on turns or during sudden stops.
In North Carolina, determining the root cause of a truck accident is crucial when establishing liability. Evidence such as driver logs, GPS data, delivery schedules, maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts may all play a role in uncovering the truth.
A Gastonia DHL truck accident lawyer can help you gather data and analyze the evidence to build a clear picture of what happened. All in all, a DHL truck accident attorney will take on the responsibility of identifying the liable parties and helping you pursue appropriate compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a dhl accident lawyer serving Gastonia, call (877) 333-1000
Types of Vehicles Involved in DHL Collisions
DHL uses a range of vehicles for delivery operations in and around the Gastonia area. Each type of vehicle introduces its own set of risks:
- Delivery vans: These are typically used for residential deliveries. Though smaller than freight trucks, they can still cause serious injuries, especially when operating in congested neighborhoods or making frequent stops.
- Box trucks: Larger than delivery vans, these vehicles are commonly used for business-to-business shipping. They have wider blind spots and require more stopping distance.
- Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers: Though less common in urban areas, DHL does operate these vehicles for long-haul routes and major distribution centers. Accidents involving semis often lead to catastrophic injuries due to their size and weight.
The classification of the DHL vehicle involved in the collision that left you injured can impact the applicable federal or state regulations, insurance requirements, and potential avenues of liability.
Thankfully, a Gastonia personal injury lawyer can help identify which vehicle type was involved and how that detail may affect your legal options following a crash. Understanding the role each vehicle plays in DHL’s operations is part of the process of building a strong case on your behalf.
Gastonia DHL Accident Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
Liability in DHL Truck Accidents Under North Carolina Law
Liability in DHL truck accidents is governed by a mix of state and federal laws. In North Carolina, a key legal principle that affects these cases is the doctrine of contributory negligence. Under this rule, if the injured party is found to be even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages altogether.
This makes establishing clear, one-sided fault essential. Several parties may be held liable in a DHL truck accident, depending on the details of your case:
- The DHL driver: If the driver’s negligence—such as speeding, texting while driving, or ignoring traffic signals—led to the crash, they may be held responsible.
- DHL as the employer: North Carolina recognizes the principle of respondeat superior, meaning an employer may be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of its employees when those acts occur within the scope of employment.
- Vehicle maintenance contractors: If the accident was caused by mechanical failure due to poor maintenance, and DHL contracted a third-party mechanic, that contractor could bear some responsibility.
- Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a truck to tip or lose balance, especially during turns or sudden braking. If a separate company was responsible for loading, they may be liable.
Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation. Our DHL truck accident lawyers in Gastonia will conduct accident reconstruction, a vehicle inspection, and a review of employment records to help prove fault in your case.
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Contact Our Gastonia DHL Truck Accident Lawyers Today for Help Moving Forward With Your Case
If you or someone you love was injured in a collision involving a DHL delivery truck, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. This kind of accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed physically, emotionally, and financially. Fortunately, help is available.
At DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, our Gastonia DHL truck accident attorneys have what it takes to handle your case and advocate for your rights. You deserve compensation, and we can help you pursue it.
We believe in People Over Profits™, and that’s why we offer free consultations with no obligation. Since a right without a remedy is just a suggestion™, we operate on a contingency-fee basis, allowing you to take legal action immediately. Call now.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form